Meta-analysis of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity levels
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REVIEW
Open Access
Meta-analysis of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity levels Cally A Davies1*, John C Spence2, Corneel Vandelanotte1, Cristina M Caperchione1,3 and W Kerry Mummery1,4
Abstract Many internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programs have been developed and evaluated. However, further evidence is required to ascertain the overall effectiveness of such interventions. The objective of the present review was to evaluate the effectiveness of internet-delivered interventions to increase physical activity, whilst also examining the effect of intervention moderators. A systematic search strategy identified relevant studies published in the English-language from Pubmed, Proquest, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINHAL, and Sport Discuss (January 1990 – June 2011). Eligible studies were required to include an internet-delivered intervention, target an adult population, measure and target physical activity as an outcome variable, and include a comparison group that did not receive internet-delivered materials. Studies were coded independently by two investigators. Overall effect sizes were combined based on the fixed effect model. Homogeneity and subsequent exploratory moderator analysis was undertaken. A total of 34 articles were identified for inclusion. The overall mean effect of internet-delivered interventions on physical activity was d = 0.14 (p = 0.00). Fixed-effect analysis revealed significant heterogeneity across studies (Q = 73.75; p = 0.00). Moderating variables such as larger sample size, screening for baseline physical activity levels and the inclusion of educational components significantly increased intervention effectiveness. Results of the meta-analysis support the delivery of internet-delivered interventions in producing positive changes in physical activity, however effect sizes were small. The ability of internet-delivered interventions to produce meaningful change in long-term physical activity remains unclear. Keywords: Physical activity, Internet, Intervention, Meta-analysis
Introduction Estimates from the World Health Organisation [1] suggest that approximately 60% of the world’s population are classified as inactive or insufficiently active to receive health benefits. With the increasing burden caused by physical inactivity and chronic disease, new ways for delivering behaviour change programs to large numbers of people at low cost are needed. In particular, the internet offers an innovative medium to produce health behaviour change in terms of reach, availability and opportunities for interactive approaches [2]. Statistics demonstrate more than a 300% increase in internet usage since 2000, with over 1.5 billion internet users worldwide, representing approximately 23.5% of the world’s population [3]. Most important, internet access provides an alternate means to * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Centre for Physical Activity Studies, Institute for Health and Social Science Research, CQ University Australia, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia Full list of au
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